Accreditation
We have submitted the needed documents to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which promotes excellence in education through the application of professional standards that endorse academic integrity and quality, as well as exemplary health care, through the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry. As a new program, the maximum length of an initial accreditation award granted by the JRCERT is three years.
JRCERT
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
mail@jrcert.org
Program Description
Mission Statement
The mission of the Radiation Therapy Program is to provide the highest-quality training in standard and advanced techniques in radiation therapy technology. Through this training, the program seeks to develop critical thinking and technical skills necessary to deliver the best care. Upon completing the program, graduating students will receive a certificate and be prepared to meet the requirements for an entry-level position as a radiation therapist.
Duke Radiation Oncology is a 12-month certificate program in radiation therapy technology. Completing this program would allow a graduate to become a licensed radiation therapist and a key radiation oncology team member responsible for the daily delivery of radiation treatments for cancer patients after passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
The radiation therapist position is currently in high demand and a rate-limiting position for Duke Health’s continued ability (and growth) to deliver cancer treatments. This new program aligns with Duke Health’s mission of providing training for many allied health professions. As a national leader in medical education, providing a foundational training program for entry-level radiation therapists augments the educational mission of Duke Radiation Oncology, which currently has leading training programs for medical residents, medical physics residents, graduate students and other medical students.
The Radiation Therapy Program continues the tradition of educational excellence at Duke Radiation Oncology and will produce graduates steeped in the highest quality patient care techniques. The program will instill the Duke Health System values of caring, excellence, safety, integrity, diversity and teamwork.
Student Learning Outcomes
The philosophy of the Radiation Therapy Program provides the foundation for developing the radiation therapy curriculum. The philosophy and objectives of this program complement the philosophy, mission statement and institutional goals of Duke University Health Systems. We pledge to provide expert, compassionate and prompt clinical service to our patients; to generate new knowledge concerning the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer; and to transmit new knowledge from our clinical experiences while becoming a globally preeminent academic radiation oncology department. Moreover, we strive to be recognized for exceptional clinical care, conducting and reporting important research and practicing effective teaching. As one of the country's largest and most active academic radiation oncology programs, we recognize our responsibility to the public we serve.
The Duke University Health System's objective for the radiation therapy concentration is to provide a sound foundation for developing knowledge and skills pertinent to a practicing radiation therapist. The radiation therapy concentration promotes effective communication between its students and the clinical personnel they encounter. Good communication enhances the program’s ability to meet its number one goal of educating radiation therapists.
Program Goals
The program will prepare students to become entry-level radiation therapists. Students will learn the skills necessary for the delivery of exceptional clinical care.
Outcomes:
- Students will learn to position patients optimally (and rationale for patient position) for common and uncommon oncologic conditions for radiation cancer treatments as directed in the treatment record/plan under the direct supervision of a radiation therapist.
- Students will operate equipment to deliver the prescribed therapeutic dose under the direct supervision of a radiation therapist.
- Students will demonstrate good radiation safety practices.
- Students will learn simulation procedures for various common cancers, including immobilization techniques and initial patient setup processes.
- The student will demonstrate compassionate patient care.
- Strive to meet each patient’s physical and emotional needs by providing timely, professional, compassionate care.
- Provide patient care essential to radiation therapy procedures and simulations.
- Recognize patient conditions requiring immediate action and initiate basic life-support procedures.
- Maintain patient records as instructed.
The program will provide the means for students to develop oral and written communication skills.
Outcomes:
- The student will demonstrate effective oral communication skills in the clinical setting.
- The student will be introduced to research methodology and have the opportunity to write and present an informative research paper.
Students will develop critical thinking skills.
Outcomes:
- Students will recognize setup discrepancies.
- Students will design a treatment plan under supervision.
- Participate in the quality assurance program. To include morning warm-ups and shadow physicists during a monthly QA routine during their physics rotation.
- Provide input for equipment and supply decisions.
- Exercise professional judgment in the performance of procedures.
- Evaluate portal images and digitally reproduced radiographs.
The program will provide students with the means to develop professionalism and encourage professional and personal growth.
Outcomes:
- The student will demonstrate understanding and commitment to values and ethics.
- The graduate will participate in professional and/or personal growth activities.
- Membership in State and National Societies
- Attending “Incident Learning” sessions
- Attending grand rounds, Departmental chart rounds
The program will provide our health care community with quality radiation therapists.
Outcomes:
- Students who begin the program will graduate.
- Graduates will pass the ARRT exam on the first attempt.
- The program will graduate quality radiation therapists.
- Graduates will be employable.
- Graduates will indicate that the program prepared them to perform the duties of an entry-level radiation therapist.
- Maintain knowledge of current practices by pursuing ARRT continuing education.